Twenty-eight children and numerous adults lost their lives last year in the United Kingdom alone due to accidental drowning in unprotected public waters. These ponds and lakes, beautiful as they are, pose a real threat to safety, particularly for children who are often unaware of the dangers. It’s a harrowing reality that these tragedies are entirely preventable, and it’s time we take action to ensure these bodies of water become safe spaces for everyone in our community.

Let us imagine a future where families can enjoy public parks and natural reserves without the lurking fear of accidents. By installing surrounding fences, we can significantly reduce the risk of drowning incidents. Fences can act as physical barriers that restrict accidental access, providing crucial time for adults to intervene when a child strays too near. Moreover, these safety measures offer peace of mind to parents and caregivers who visit these areas.

There are already successful precedents for this type of measure. In regions like Australia and New Zealand, similar safety regulations around public pools and ponds have dramatically lowered drowning rates, especially among children. Why should our commitment to child safety in the UK be any less robust? Given that we already apply similar safety standards for swimming pools, it's only logical to extend the same level of care to natural but potentially hazardous water bodies.

The cost of installing fences pales in comparison to the value of a life saved. Funding for these safety installations could be sourced through local government budgets or public safety grants. Engaging local communities and businesses could also help in financially supporting these initiatives. We call upon the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as local councils, to prioritize the safety of our children and install fencing around public bodies of water.

lets face it, we pay enough in council tax to be able to say that we NEED this! 
Where as 90% of a council tax paid goes to the government with no benefits to us the payers. 

By signing this petition, you can help urge the relevant authorities to take necessary action. Together, we can create safer environments for our children to play and explore without fear of accidents. Let's work towards safeguarding our beautiful natural spaces while protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. Please add your signature today to make this vision a reality.